Oh man Reese is very good looking! I am going to be brutely honest here. Start immediately with what I call tough love!! Here are some things I thought of while reading your mail.
1) I presume you have had a varity of tests done.....i.e. kidneys, liver, heart, thyoid (I saw that post) etc. And all check out fine.
2) If she has leggs perthe disease she REALLY needs the surgery. She needs the surgery while she is young and before her muscles waste away..she will get to the point of NEVER walking. Also I would be willing to bet she is in pain. Even a minor case is painful.
3) take the advice of the no salt green beans added to her food. This is a filler and will give her a fuller feeling without adding calories. Continue to carefully measure her food. Maybe divide her total daily ration into several smaller meals.
4) AND here is the biggy. STOP CARRYING THIS DOG AROUND. Start immediately letting her walk everywhere possible. As for exercise. With some conditioning you can train her to only eat AFTER her walk. Each time she insists on eating..grab the leash (or carry if you HAVE too) and take her for a walk....short walks in the beginning. Get her use to the idea....she MUST work for her food. This is the tough love part. ***BUT be aware this is dependent on her leggs perthe condition. If she cannot walk even a short distance (say a city block) then she really does need another look at her hip (s).***
I would say if you can employ even some of the tips offered in this thread you may begin to see some progress with her. Good luck
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DISCLAIMER: My opinions are just that..my opinions. Before acting on ANY advice I may offer please check with your vet, breeder and/or mentor! |